Sister Van Buskirk: If you cut your companions hair...

...She probably trusts you way too much. So Sister Neuffer and I decided we wanted a hair cut so we gave each other one. There's an elder in the ward who cuts the other elder's hair so we asked if we could borrow his scissors. I would have to say I did a pretty good job for never trying it before. It's a little shorter than what Sister Neuffer wanted but the promise in Alma 41:21 is real. More good news- We are both staying in Independence! I am so excited for another transfer with Sister Neuffer and to spend more time serving this ward. They are incredible.

The other day I was on the bus and this girl got on and I was like, "wow she looks so nice, I would be friends with her." Then the spirit was like, "then you should share the gospel with her." I was like, "dang it, you're right." So I gave her a Book of Mormon download card and we talked for a bit. She told me about her family and how she stopped going to church because she has a lot of questions and you can't ask questions at church. I was like, "Girlfriend! We love questions! Come to church and get baptized!" Okay I didn't say that but I definitely thought it. The dumb thing about bus rides is we have to get off and that means ending the conversation. But that really taught me that sharing the gospel with our friends is the most important thing we need to do. But it also showed me that everyone should hear the gospel message and consequently, everyone is my neighbor.

Awkward story of the week: We were helping a family move out of one apartment into another Saturday morning and since this ward is fantastic, there were a lot of members there and both sets of elders. Let me set the stage for you all. Most of the members and all the elders were outside around the truck. Sister Neuffer was carrying a fan and a lamp. I was drinking water out of a water bottle. The door of the building was wide open but on one side of the door frame is a glass window that is very clean and the same height as the door. We were both inside the apartment building. I am walking a little behind Sister Neuffer and I am looking at a painting and thinking to myself, "what kind of painting is this, who would paint this and why?" You know, the type of questions you ask yourself while looking at modern art. Anyway, back to the story. While Sister Neuffer makes it safely out the door, I do not. I run smack into the door frame/window and my water bottle flies out of my hand and I look up and all the members and the elders are looking at me. So naturally I run back inside the building to avoid more embarrassment while my lovely companion almost drops the fan and lamp, she's laughing so hard. Let's just say that window wasn't as clean anymore.

We taught the Judge today! That was so fun. A few days ago we invited him to watch General Conference and he tuned into the Sunday Morning Session. He is such a funny guy. He is so stuck on faith, he doesnt think he has any but we are like, "Judge! You have so much faith!" We read Moroni 10:17 and talked about if he wants faith, he can have it. He also asked us about how we view marriage and families so we are going to email him The Family: A Proclamation to the World (plus Elder Oaks told us to read it). He also asked about church and he says he wants to come soon but hos October is too busy.

We had an amazing lesson with our new investigator, Yolanda. She came to the Gladys Knight devotional and loved it. She has so many questions and is really excited to read the Book of Mormon. She came to the Sunday Afternoon Session of General Conference and really enjoyed it. She is so awesome and we are excited to keep teaching her.

Speaking of conference, wasn't it amazing?! I really loved Elder Bednar's talk about being distracted. That happens to me so much. I like what he said that sometimes we are running so fast we forget where we are going or why we are running. But I also loved what he said about change. Sometimes I feel that if I change one thing, my nature will change automatically right? Not necessarily. Change comes grace by grace. As we come unto Christ little by little, He can change us little by little. You're life shouldn't be whiplash kind of roller coaster with ups and downs every other second. It should be a steady incline towards our Savior. That is how we find peace and joy in the gospel. Slowly, steadily, consistently coming to Christ. I love all of you so much! Have a great week and remember to put Jesus Christ first!

Lots of Love!
Sister Van Buskirk

The District. All Sister Neuffer and I wanted was a normal picture.